All-Star left fielder Alex Gordon needs an MRI on his sprained right wrist, which he suffered while sliding last week against Cleveland. He's sitting out Wednesday's game against the Rays due to the issue. What's worse, Gordon actually said he can't swing (via Andy McCullough).

That's not all the bad news, either.

Starting pitcher Jason Vargas will have to undergo an appendectomy, which will prevent him from returning to Kansas City until Friday. He was scheduled to next start Sunday, but Bruce Chen will instead take the hill in his place (via McCullough).

The Royals head into Thursday night five games back of Detroit in the AL Central and 2.5 games back of the second wild-card spot in the AL.

Gordon, 30, is hitting .268/.348/.425 (112 OPS+) with 24 doubles, nine homers, 44 RBI and his usual Gold Glove defense this season. Raul Ibanez will play left field with him out.

Vargas, 31, is 8-4 with a 3.31 ERA (124 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP and 82 strikeouts in 125 innings this season.

Needless to say, the longer the Royals are without either of these guys, the longer the odds become of breaking their long playoff drought.